Caught Up In Crime

Tom visits Reading Magistrates Court with his old university friend Sian.  In the dock are those accused of drug dealing, shoplifting, jumping bail and a whole range of other crimes and misdemeanours. The Court hustles and bustles with lawyers, legal advisors, police officers, translators, and robed attendants, but there is no doubt who is in charge: A no-nonsense, middle-aged Irishwoman sits right in the middle of proceedings, and though hers is a voluntary position and she's never studied at the Bar, her word is the Law. Magistrates are a vital part of the British legal system. They are the first port of call for defendants in 95% of criminal cases - from terrorists to those accused of speeding.  For Sian, it is her first taste of what to expect when SHE takes up the position of Magistrate. Her application is in, and she's waiting for a vacancy to come up in her local area. It's almost like her entire career has been leading to this moment. Calling her to the Bench.  ***   Sian is the co-founder of Storm Safe Crisis Communications, a specialist consultancy providing scalable crisis communications support for businesses of all sizes, including response planning, scenario development, media frameworks and retained advisory services. Find out more via the website : Storm Safe Crisis Communications or contact her through LinkedIn : Storm Safe Crisis Communications If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Timeless Piano by Immersive Music Sweet Little Things by Jack Pierce A Palace in the Pines by Big Score Audio Ticking Time by Eskimotion

Kevin Sanders is nearing the end of his sentence at the notorious Lewisburg federal penitentiary in Pennsylvania. He's been in prison for nearly 10 years, but he is quiet and nonviolent, and doesn't fit in at Lewisburg - which is home to some of the worst criminals in the country.  Kevin wants to just keep his head down and serve out his time, but he becomes embroiled in a brutal gang war instigated by the Aryan Brotherhood. One morning he finds himself locked in an exercise cage with a sworn enemy of the Brotherhood, and faces a stark choice: Fight or die. His case is picked by a public defender named Scott Powell who ropes in his old school friend Carla Conti to tell Scott's story. Carla and Kevin become unlikely friends as the team fights to clear Kevin's name, and expose the corruption and gang violence that is rife in America's federal prisons. But before long, both Kevin's and Carla's lives are in danger. You can buy Carla's book Chained Birds from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKWFG9F4 And preorder her next book, The Jacklighter, from Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlaconti/the-jacklighter-a-true-crime-story - where there are also bundles available that include the eBook and audiobook of Chained Birds. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Private Investigation by Peter McIsaac Music Set the World on Fire by Ferrari Tzar IRL by Wolves Moody Western by Brightside Studio Down in the Canyon by Ryan Scott

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode follows on from THE KILLER ON THE WATER. If you haven't listened to that one yet, please check it out first!* In this special Bonus Episode, Sarah Bax Horton puts forward the case for a new suspect in the hunt for Jack The Ripper! In her book, ONE ARMED JACK, Sarah details the extraordinary coincidences and circumstantial evidence that point to her man as a prime suspect in this most notorious of unsolved crimes. We chatted at Tower Hill on the site of Sarah's ancestor Harry Garrett's police lodgings. Harry is Sarah's inspiration and the reason she became one of the UK's foremost experts on the Whitechapel murders of the 1880s. You can buy One Armed Jack on Amazon. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle

London, 1888. The city is gripped by fear as Jack the Ripper roams the streets of Whitechapel. But there's another madman on the loose, and the River Thames is his playground. The identity of The Thames Torso Killer has remained a mystery for nearly 140 years, but author Sarah Bax Horton believes she has found the culprit. Sarah began researching the case in honour of her great grandfather - Harry Garrett - who was a police sergeant in Whitechapel at the time of the murders. Join us for a story of mass hysteria and murderous bargemen as we try to nail down The Killer on the Water. Sarah Bax Horton's book, Arm of Eve is available now from Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arm-Eve-Investigating-Thames-Killer/dp/1803997486 If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Destabilize Me by Daniel Belardinelli Mysteries of the Deep by Sunshine Music The Watchtower by Cosmo Lawson A Thin Line by Lost Harmonies

Bill Kimberlin is not your standard criminal psychologist. For more than 20 years he has visited inmates on Death Row in his home state of Ohio, and across the US.  What started as a project to expand his professional knowledge has become something of a calling. To date, he has built years-long relationships with 10 men on Death Row, and has witnessed three executions, with more scheduled for the coming months and years. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Bill is not affiliated to any law enforcement agency. He is not a lawyer or a spiritual adviser, nor does he attempt to profit from his subjects' notoriety. He is simply there to listen and learn. And to help these killers understand more about themselves. You can buy Bill Kimberlin's book Watch Me Die from Amazon. Follow Bill on Instagram to see some of the anonymous artwork he has acquired from men on Death Row. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: The Prowler by Cosmo Lawson Solving a Mystery by Jack Pierce Soul Search by Patrick Rundblad Outro: Living Like a Wildfire by A Hext 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode follows on from WHO KILLED MRS HOOD? If you haven't listened to that one yet, please check it out first! In this special Bonus Episode, we focus on the crucial piece of evidence that convicted Herbert Bennett of his wife Mary's murder in September 1900. Her necklace was discovered in Herbert's lodgings after her death, helping to convince a jury that he was the man who killed her. Now, that same necklace is framed on Paul Fitchett's wall - and is a daily reminder to him of why he must continue the fight to clear Herbert's name. But how did the necklace get there? If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle  

In September 1900 a woman's body was discovered on the beach in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. She had been strangled with a bootlace. The police had no idea who she was, but they established she had been staying in the town at a boarding house with her infant daughter, Ruby. She had checked in under the name 'Mrs Hood'. It took several weeks to work out her true identity. Her name was Mary Bennett, and her estranged husband, Herbert, was quickly arrested and charged with her murder. He was convicted in a trial at the Old Bailey, and hanged in March 1901. Now, Ruby's grandson Paul Fitchett is on a mission to find out the truth about his great-grandparents and crack the tragic case that left Ruby an orphan. He strongly believes Herbert was innocent - but can he prove it? If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: A Mysterious Fairy by Adieu Adieu Still by Shaun Freerson The Ancient Mystery by Tom Olivier Seek the Solution by Cloud Revolution Open Seas by Liam Mansfield Glimpse of the Darkness by Emmett Cooke

Emily Patterson was the last victim of one of North America's first known serial killers. But she was also a loving mother to two small boys, a pillar of her local community in Canada, and the long lost ancestor of crime writer Denise Beddows. It was Emily's bravery as she tried to fight off the evil killer Earle Nelson - known as the 'Gorilla Killer' due to his abnormally large hands - that led to his capture and execution in 1928. While most books about serial killers are sensationalist accounts about monsters and their brutal crimes, Denise tells the story of each of Nelson's victims. They are the women history left behind. They are The Forgotten 44. You can order Denise's book - The Forgotten 44 - from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forgotten-Forty-Four-Victims-Survivors-Americas/dp/B0CGGC4QT8 If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Questionable Behavior by Sunshine Music Moving Heart by Firefly Music Crime of the Century by Flash Fluharty The Disappearance by Emmett Cooke Lamentations by Mark Fabian Castigan's Folly by Nathan King    

In 1998, author and historian Susan Ronald was in a bank vault in Zurich, Switzerland checking the assets of an elusive billionnaire for a huge investment project. There she stumbled upon evidence of a huge stash of art looted by the Nazis. Nobody took her story seriously until, more than 15 years later, the German authorities discovered thousands of priceless works of art - many stolen from Jews - secretly hoarded away by a man named Hildebrand Gurlitt - Hitler's personal art curator.  Susan Ronald's book Hitler's Art Thief is available to buy from her website or any online book store. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat   Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Pizzicato Mystery by Studio Le Bus Axed by Mojo Handful Warpath by Swan Productions Mystery at Midnight by Lee Miller Searching for Hope by Taizo Audio The Bells of Bavaria by The Commandeers

In this special bonus episode, Tom chats to Stuart Blues, host of the phenomenally successful podcast - British Murders. With more than 500 episodes and 9 million downloads in the last five years it has captured the imagination of true crime fans everywhere. Stuart talks about how he selects the cases he covers in the show - and the effect that talking murder all day has had on his mental health. Listen to British Murders With Stuart Blues wherever you get your podcasts, or visit https://www.britishmurders.com/  If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle  

Just before 5pm on 27 November 2000, ten-year old Damilola Taylor was walking home from Peckham Library in Southeast London when he was attacked with a glass bottle. He was found in a stairwell at the North Peckham Estate and taken to Kings College Hospital where he was pronounced dead. In this episode, we are at the Old Bailey, speaking to a former juror from the first Damilola Taylor trial, where four young defendants were acquitted of his murder. IMPORTANT NOTE:  Jurors in the UK are never allowed to talk about what happens inside the jury room during deliberations — that's protected by law under the Contempt of Court Act. What you'll hear in this episode are one juror's memories of being in court for a trial at the Old Bailey: the atmosphere, the evidence as it was presented, and the emotions around such a high-profile case. These are his personal reflections only, and don't represent the views of any other jurors in the trial. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Analytical by Alex Norton Night Falls by Lost Harmonies Tango Light by Adieu Adieu Fallen Dynasty by Evan McDonald

For most of us, serving on a jury is the closest we will ever come to being Caught Up in Crime. For centuries, those accused of the most serious crimes have had the right to be heard by twelve ordinary citizens - their fates resting in the hands of their peers. But the system is creaking. Underfunded and undervalued, there are murmurings of discontent in the corridors of power.    Might juries be on the way out?    In this episode, 3 former jurors share their experiences: The pressure, the emotion and - more than anything - the sense of responsibility. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Reflections of the Everlasting by Young Presidents Rising Tide by Eskimotion Introspective Wondering by Swan Productions Ocean Poker 22 by Vinny Falcone Uneasy by Mocha Music Stepping Forward by Nicklaus Vogel

Nathan is both your typical, traditional private investigator, and its modern 21st Century equivalent rolled into one. On the one hand he fits the mould perfectly: A former police detective with a gruff, no-nonsense approach to cheating spouses and petty crooks - but he's also embracing the new world too. Despite reservations from some within his industry, he's built an impressive social media following and his TikTok videos are helping him reach a new generation of customers. You can listen to Nathan's podcast: 'Diary of a Private Investigator' wherever you get your podcasts. Or visit https://dolosinvestigations.co.uk/ to find out more about Nathan's services. Nathan is a full member of The Association of British Investigators (ABI) www.theABI.org.uk "Upholding Professional Values" If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: No Stranger to Darkness by Emmett Cooke Fluteboy Slim by Johanze Flash in the Pan by Zillions Flickering Daylight by Taizo Audio

In 2018, Joanna Laiscell was fired from her position in the finance department at the Hartford Schools District after 24 years of service. The official reason for her dismisaal was insurance fraud, but the truth ran far deeper, exposing a murky world of racism and collusion. Joanna didn't know it at the time, but one of her colleagues was making it his mission to ruin her reputation. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Other tracks featured in this episode: Beyond Silence by Remember the Future Breezy Life by Sirus Music Pressing Matters by Mark Fabian Mountains by Jack Catfish Life is Golden by Young Presidents

Have you ever thought about the historical crimes in YOUR town? Eleanor Phillips has lived in my home town of Chesham all her life, and in her retirement she has become one of its foremost historians and story-tellers. In this episode, she talks about four crimes spanning more than a century from the swahbuckling tale of highwaymen thwarted by a hero stagecoach driver, to the sinister 'Raincoat Man' who stalked his terrified victims in Chesham and Amersham in 1957. To find out more about the stories we covered in this episode, read Eleanor's articles on the Chesham Museum website. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Or Instagram  Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Another Piece of the Puzzle by Emmett Cooke The Latest Scandal by Shaun Frearson Elephant Crossing by Little Red Church Sorry Sea Dog by Porter Productions Dark Expanse by Sarah Chapman Ain't in Like a River by the Commandeers      

For Mary O'Kane and her friends, murder never seems to be far away... Throughout their lives, their get-togethers have been dominated by talk of the latest serial killings or celebrity homicides. Pretty soon, they realised they all had close connections to some of the most notorious crimes in US history. Sometimes, the cases were  huge - OJ, Versace, John Wayne Gacy - but others struck much closer to home.  Whether these brushes with death are driven by fate or coincidence, Mary doesn't know. But she came up with a name for the phenomenon all the same: She called it The Murder Wheel. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: The Clermont - Flash Fluharty Whispers in the Attic - Cosmo Lawson Groovy - INPLUSMUSIC Snappy - Jonathan Boyle Silver Light - Swan Productions

SERIES 2 is coming! **Launch date - Tuesday 5th August** Caught Up in Crime tells the stories of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. From historical tales of family intrigue to contemporary accounts from victims, witnesses and perpetrators - the series takes listeners right to the heart of the crime. Join me, Tom Clarke, for weekly episodes every Tuesday. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle

In this special bonus episode, Tom talks to legendary US civil rights attorney, Michael Sussman. The US judiciary is under pressure like never before. Messrs Trump, Vance and Musk have the knives out for progressive lawyers and judges - and the integrity and independence of the courts are being challenged daily.  In a 45 year career, Michael's tackled bureaucracy and injustice in his home state of New York - fighting for the rights of the most marginalised in society. At one point the threat to his life was so severe he had to have round the clock protection from the FBI. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle  

In this special bonus episode, journalist Lauren Potts chats to Tom about death knocks, stolen Bakewell tarts, and her deep-dive investigation into two missing schoolboys that was read by more than a million people on the BBC website. Lauren worked as a Court and Crime reporter in Yorkshire before turning her hand to investigative reporting and feature writing for the BBC. Her freelance work has seen her published in the likes of National Geographic, Stylist, Refinery29, the i, and Time Out. Visit Lauren's brand spanking new website: https://www.laurenpotts.co.uk/  Or connect with her on LinkedIn   If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle  

There's a house in Northampton that looks much like any other. But this house is unique. It is at the centre of a project to eliminate homelessness for prison leavers. A place that offers hope to men who have none. In the final episode of the series, follow the stories of two prison leavers and their extraordinary journeys towards rehabilitation. Visit www.ownmerit.org  If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] or contact me at [email protected]  Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Wave of Doubts by High Street Music What Might Have Been by Taizo Audio Hangover Blues by Marc Walloch Word of Honor by Emmanuel Jacob Frame of Time by DarkBlue Studio The Vengeance by Mountaineer Journey Upstream by L-Ray Music Lost Out at Sea by Big Score Audio Hometown by L-Ray Music Violence Blooms by Flash Fluharty News archive from Channel 5, Channel 4, BBC, SKY, SKY Australia.  

Dr Aaron Lewis is a former pastor, prolific author, and human rights advocate. For decades, he has battled against public institutions and government officials in his home state of Connecticut, defending the voiceless against a system he believes is fundamentally corrupt.  If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Outro: Peace and Justice by The Commandeers Other tracks featured in this episode: Around the Edges by Mark Walloch The Gospel Trail by Quality Quest Rising Up Again by Flash Fluharty Break News by O2 Studio

For generations, Lynda McKean's family have passed down the legend of their mysterious ancestor 'Lathley'. Supposedly, he forfeited the family name and wealth after killing a man in a duel before fleeing to join Admiral Nelson's ship The Victory. Years later, he returned to London and married a shoemaker's daughter. Now, Lynda's trying to track him down. If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Spending Spree by Jack Pierce Your Move by Janathan Boyle Lady Catherine's Dilemma by Little Red Church Time to Change Your Life by Mocha Music Bach Siciliana for Violin and Organ by Blue Shift Prelude to a Storm by Sapphire Studios Scandal at Court (Greensleeves for Strings) by Sarah Chapman The Latest Scandal by Shaun Frearson A Long Night by Shaun Frearson Debussy - The Girl with the Flaxen Hair by Blue Shift

In 1991, Miro Bouchakian invented a throw-and-catch toy called the Woblong. He dreamed of knocking the Frisbee off its perch, but soon found himself in hot water. Join us for a heady mix of dodgy dealings, murderous stockbrokers, and 90s nostalgia! If you want to join the Woblong generation, visit www.Woblong.com - you won't regret it! If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Distant Tension by Alex Norton Magical Mischief by Jack Pierce Plucky Pizzicato by Jack Pierce  Magician's March by Sunshine Music Wave of Doubts by High Street Music Ghost of a Godfather by Espresso Music What Might Have Been by Taizo Audio Your Time to Live by GG Riggs Mean Business by Jonathan Boyle

Meet Andy. He was a normal guy with a loving family and a steady job, but he was hiding a dark secret. Before long, his life was spiralling out of control and he found himself in the dock at Southwark Crown Court looking at a five-year stretch at Her Majesty's Pleasure. This is a story about how a single wrong turn can change a life forever. To find out more about Own Merit, visit www.OwnMerit.org.     If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected]. Connect with me on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Elusive Dream by Tom Olivier Sabotage by Serj Anto Slow Momentum by Mark Fabian Progression Now by Eskimotion I Keep Going by Krisztian Vass Fist Pumping by INPLUSMUSIC Word of Honor by Emmanuel Jacob 

On midsummer's night in 1966, two men come face-to-face at a picturesque cottage in a tiny Essex village. Only one of them comes out alive. This is an extraordinary story of stolen crystals and pirate radio; of bitter rivalry and dark family secrets. Order Susan Moore's book Life and Death of a Pirate - a dramatised account of the events of this episode.  If you have any story ideas for future episodes of Caught Up in Crime - you can email them to [email protected] Connect with Tom on LinkedIn Or Facebook Artwork by Spencer Wilson  Music by Premium Beat Theme: Noir Guitar by Jonathan Boyle Tracks featured in this episode: Hostiles by Cosmo Lawson Dvorjak's Humouresque by Blue Shift Pressing Matters by Mark Fabian Philosophy by Eskimotion Some Distant Lights by Big Score Audio Shadow Chase by Pavel Yudin A 1950s Romance by Jonathan Boyle  

Caught Up in Crime tells the stories of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. From historical tales of family intrigue to contemporary accounts from victims, witnesses and perpetrators - the series takes listeners right to the heart of the crime. Join host Tom Clarke for weekly episodes from 14th January 2025.